Eriri was frustrated. It felt like Izumi knew everything.
The way he spoke gave her the impression that there was no secret she could hide from him, and that thought irritated her immensely.
Izumi chuckled lightly.
"I just know you very well," he said.
"Not just the fact that you're a doujin artist…"
"I've even seen your… works."
He looked at her with a meaningful glance, and the effect was immediate.
Eriri's face turned bright red.
"Aahhh! Don't say things that could be misunderstood like that!"
"What do you mean you've seen my works?! I don't have any works!!"
"You're doing this on purpose, aren't you?!"
Eriri was so mad, she wanted to hit him. This guy was asking for it—who talks to someone like that?
It was bound to cause misunderstandings!
Kato Megumi's expression had shifted as well. She looked at Eriri strangely, though Eriri, lost in her own anger, didn't notice.
Asia, meanwhile, was completely bewildered. What were they talking about? Works? What works?
Izumi patted Eriri lightly on the head.
"Alright, enough of that. Let's go."
"Weren't you going to treat me to a meal? Fine, I won't finish cooking today."
"I'll wait for you to treat me!"
Though Eriri was still annoyed, she obediently walked ahead, leading Izumi toward a restaurant she frequented.
Along the way, she couldn't help but wonder about Izumi. Why was he so strong? Why did he know so much about her? She wanted to understand him better.
The conversation between them was casual, light, and soon they arrived at the restaurant.
Thanks to Eriri's treat, Izumi and the others were served a lavish meal.
Dishes made from rare magical beast meat were placed in front of them, evidence that Eriri had spent a fortune on this meal. It must have taken her drawing dozens of doujin works to earn enough to afford this.
Magical beast meat came from monsters hunted in the front lines. In this world, after an interdimensional invasion, magical beasts were not only dangerous but also a valuable source of nourishment. Human consumption of this meat could enhance physical strength. Even the wealthiest people couldn't afford to eat it every day.
For Eriri to treat Izumi and the others to a meal like this… it had been a major expense.
After eating their fill, Izumi and his companions said their goodbyes.
Before leaving, Izumi spoke to Eriri seriously.
"Eriri, ask your parents about it when you get home," he said.
"If possible, I'd like you to join my team."
"Of course, I won't force you. Take your time to think about it."
"Once you've decided, just give me your answer."
Eriri nodded firmly.
"Got it! I'll ask them!"
Satisfied with her reply, Izumi bid her farewell and continued on with Asia and Kato Megumi toward his own home.
By now, night had fallen, and the streets were dark and mostly empty. Even if someone was out, it was probably a vampire taking advantage of the night.
Megumi walked quietly behind Izumi, saying nothing. No one could tell what she was thinking.
As they neared a fork in the road, Megumi suddenly stopped and asked him, her voice tinged with curiosity and anxiety:
"Um… Izumi-kun."
"If that demon this afternoon had tried to touch me, would you have intervened?"
She clearly cared about the answer. Izumi was getting stronger, and girls were increasingly around him—she felt unsettled.
Izumi stopped, turning to face her. Seeing her confused expression, he laughed.
"Of course I would. Whether it's you, Asia, or even Eriri…"
"I'd step in for all of you!"
"Because all of you are my… wings!!!"
With that, Izumi decisively grabbed Asia's hand and ran.
He had never said something like that before. Before Megumi could get angry, he needed to put some distance between them—otherwise, she might actually strike him.
Megumi couldn't help but smile despite herself, a small laugh escaping her.
"So that's how it is… greedy, aren't you, Izumi-kun?"
Her lips curved slightly. A mix of exasperation, relief, and a touch of frustration filled her heart. It seemed she couldn't claim Izumi for herself entirely.
With complicated feelings, she turned toward her home, walking alone into the night.
Meanwhile, Izumi slowed his pace after running for a while with Asia.
Asia tilted her head, looking at him curiously.
"Izumi-sama… what did you mean by 'wings'?"
"Is it… something important?"
Innocent as she was, Asia didn't understand exactly what Izumi meant. But she could sense that it was something precious to him.
Izumi gently pinched her cheek.
"Yes. Something very important."
"Come on, we're home!"
He didn't elaborate further. A young nun should stay simple, after all.
Asia's cheeks flushed from his pinch, but she didn't press further. If it was important to Izumi, that was enough. After all, he had said it: they were his wings.
Wings = Important = Me = I'm important to Izumi.
That was the formula Asia arrived at in her heart.
And Izumi had no idea. Who could have guessed that a casual remark would make Asia mentally "complete her own conquest"?
Back at home, Izumi handed the TV remote to Asia and went to take a shower.
Whenever he was at home, he let Asia occupy herself with the TV while he handled his own business. There was no intention to build sentiment… until tonight.
For some reason, Asia hesitated before following him into the bathroom. Izumi's presence tonight was overwhelming, making her heart race uncontrollably.
Her sudden delivery of the vehicle had been accepted without objection, and after it was settled, Izumi even allowed her to use the Saint Mother's smile technique on him for practice.
Through that, he discovered yet another new world.